Malappuram FC’s fortress once again lived up to its reputation. It was loud, chaotic, rain-soaked, however heartbreakingly short of a win. For the fourth consecutive home game, Miguel Corral’s side dominated yet had to settle for a draw. Coincidentally, both meetings between these clubs last season had also finished level. History once again repeated itself under the floodlights of Payyanad.
The turf was drenched, puddles scattered across the pitch, and the ball refused to roll cleanly. Still, Kombans started brighter, against the energy of a packed gallery. Slowly, Malappuram found the tempo. In the 15th minute, Aaryan Saroha produced an early contender for save of the season. A brilliant double stop that denied Abhijith and then Krishna from point-blank range.
The battle turned fierce as Shanid went into the book for a late tackle on Abhijith in the 22nd minute. The Kombans relied on counters through Ashar, while Malappuram kept possession but struggled with the surface.
The breakthrough came in the 69th minute. A beautifully curled free kick met the head of J. Kennedy, who glanced it past Aaryan to send the stadium into delirium. The Ultras erupted and made a Poznan syncitium.
But six minutes later, the game tilted again. Ronald tripped inside the box, earning a penalty. Autemar stepped up and calmly slotted home to make it 1–1, silencing the home crowd momentarily.
From there, Malappuram poured forward relentlessly. Corners, long throws, and free kicks rained in, but the soaked turf and desperate Kombans defending denied them the winner. Roy Krishna, once again, couldn’t rise to the occasion. James McAloon was signalling the referee at the end of the injury time to call it a day as he realized the dominance of Malappuram.
When the final whistle blew, both sides were exhausted and drenched.
Key Moments
15’ – Aaryan Saroha’s double save keeps Kombans level.
22’ – Shanid booked for rough tackle on Abhijith.
69’ – Kennedy heads Malappuram ahead from Aldalur’s free kick.
75’ – Autemar converts the penalty won by Ronald.
Malappuram FC – Starting XI
Azhar (GK), Sanju, Facu Ballardo, Badr, Gani, Hakku, Irshad, Abhijith, Riyas PT (C), Jithin, Krishna
Subs: M. Jaseen, A. Forsy, Tony, Rishad, Faslu, Risvan, Nithin, Akhil, J. Kennedy
Thiruvananthapuram Kombans FC – Starting XI
Aaryan (GK), Ranjan, Iury C, Rohen, Ronald, Autemar, P. Mota, Badish, Ashar, Shanid, Shafi
Subs: Bordoloi, Renan, Akhil, Bibin, Shihad, Jasim, Khalid, P. Victor, Sarif
